Pre-E3 2004: Call of Duty: Finest Hour

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IGN takes a first look at the console version of this already classic WWII FPS. First screens and details.

By Douglass C. Perry

It's true, there really are a lot of World War II-based first-person shooters out there. It's almost exhausting. And as gamers, you should really know which ones are worth your while, and which ones should be side-stepped. That's why we're damn glad to let you know that Activision and newly-formed developer Spark have collaborated on Call of Duty: Finest Hour for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 for fall 2004. (We also have a full interview with Activision's Executive Producer Thaine Lyman and Spark's COO and Producer Scott Langteau.)

Considered one of the best games of the year on the PC in 2003, Call of Duty brought a fresh perspective to the game, with genuinely amazing sound effects, vehicle-based gameplay, smart AI, and an authenticity and realistic feel that had people ducking in their seats as virtual bullets whizzed by their heads. What should give you a feeling of relief is that the experienced veterans from Spark, the development team behind the console versions, comprise the majority of the team that worked on the console versions of Medal of Honor, Medal of Honor: Underground, Medal of Honor: Frontline, and the PC game Medal of Honor: Allied Assault.

So how is the console version different than PC version, and why should console gamers be interested? There are numerous reasons, and we'll spell them out for you. Call of Duty: Finest Hour is an entirely new first-person shooter created from the ground up and therefore using a brand new engine for the Xbox and PS2, giving players the chaos of World War II in brand new levels and environments. Gamers will be able to step into the boots of familiar and new characters and squad mates and they'll play through different missions from the PC version.

"We're focusing more on the individual characters' stories," said Spark's COO and Producer Scott Langteau. In Call of Duty: Finest Hour you'll get to know more about the characters you're playing, and there is a greater variety of player characters -- in fact, you'll meet and often times fight alongside many of them in earlier levels before you play as them. We're really excited that players will have the chance to experience the war from many unique roles, including multiple characters within the Allied campaigns, and the variety of gameplay that this will create."

In the PC version, gamers took part in the British, US, and Russian campaigns, giving them an angle on the war not previously given in any WWII FPS. In the console versions, players will get similar campaigns, along with new ones. It's been made clear to us this is not a port. Using a new console engine, the technology and content for the game is original, and is being created to live up to the ideals of the PC game, while presenting it best for the console audience.